Olympian Michelle Griffith-Robinson announced as new ambassador and Live Chat hours extended
Today Women’s Aid announces Michelle Griffith-Robinson OLY as a new Ambassador – on the same day that the charity’s lifesaving Live Chat service will be extending its hours, and will now be open from 10 am – 6 pm every day including the weekend.
The Live Chat service, which was launched in October 2019, provides online support for survivors of domestic abuse by trained female domestic abuse support workers. A lifeline for those unable to call traditional helplines safely, Women’s Aid data shows that 99% of users said they would recommend Women’s Aid Live Chat to someone they were worried about.
Anna* a survivor of domestic abuse told Women’s Aid
“I can’t talk on the phone in case overheard and don’t know if email is accessed by others so Chat helped quick response and deleted history easily.”
Farah Nazeer chief executive at Women’s Aid said
“We are incredibly grateful to every supporter who responded to our Live Chat #SupportSurvivors Appeal. We launched the appeal last year to keep our digital services running and today, we have been able to extend the opening hours of Live Chat which is now open from 10am-6pm every day. With heartfelt thanks to all of our wonderful supporters, including individuals, corporate partners and trusts, more women will be able to get lifesaving support from our direct services team.
“To join this good news, we are also really pleased to welcome Michelle Griffith-Robinson OLY as our newest Ambassador at such an exciting time for Women’s Aid. As well as her amazing sporting achievements, Michelle has inspired many through her mentoring and coaching. She is a huge believer in the power of education and is an incredible advocate for children and young people. We are proud to have Michelle joining us as we know that through her positivity and compassion, she will be a fantastic Ambassador for Women’s Aid, and is truly committed to empowering survivors of abuse.”
Michelle Griffith-Robinson OLY said
“Sport has enabled me to use my voice as a platform for change, and I am incredibly excited to join Women’s Aid as an ambassador. Being able to use my voice is something that I am extremely proud and privileged to do.
“I believe that being part of such a formidable charity and group of ambassadors, we can continue to work towards ending domestic abuse for women and children. Education is an integral part of raising awareness and I am hopeful that I can have an impact on people’s lives, so that they can live a life without fear, that they undoubtedly deserve”.
Michelle will join other Patrons Melanie Brown and Julie Walters, and Ambassadors including Katie Piper, Will Young, Alice Living, Lucy Gaskell, Charlie Webster and Toby-Alexander Smith who give their valuable time and energy to promote the work of Women’s Aid – raising awareness of domestic abuse and how to support survivors.